Mary Grace had more than a fair share of all crazy, out-of-this-world travel and life stories while having extensively traveled and lived as an American in Europe and Turkey for the majority of her twenties. The Once Upon a Trip Podcast is designed to entertain, educate, and inspire through sharing personal travel stories and cultural lessons acquired throughout the years abroad, but also places an emphasis on European/American discussion topics with Mary Grace and her partner from Germany, Marco, who is often featured in the show. Tune in weekly for new episodes and be sure to follow to get notifications when they are released!
Podcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onceuponatrip.pc/ (http://www.instagram.com/onceuponatrip.pc/)
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marygracecrawford/ (https://www.instagram.com/marygracecrawford/)
20 Life-Changing Travel Hacks YOU Need to Know for Your Next Trip!
As a non-minimalist ex-digital nomad who used to regularly live out of a 55-Liter backpack, Mary Grace has learned how to pragmatically cut corners throughout to truly get the most out of travel. In this episode, Mary Grace handpicks and goes through 20 specific travel hacks that she has implemented in her own life-saving situations abroad, and all of which she believes every traveler needs to incorporate into their trip planning and experiences for the most memorable, worthwhile outcomes - and most importantly, to help avoid as many unexpected, unpleasant surprises as possible!
(00:00) Intro & Overview
(01:43) Hack 1: The "Splid" App for Expense Splitting
(03:26) Hack 2: Downloading All Local Apps
(04:48) Hack 3: Free Walking Tours
(05:46) Hack 4: Packing Empty Items for More Space
(06:43) Hack 5: Packing Cubes, Hanging Organizers & Rolling
(08:12) Hack 6: Stuffing Neck Pillows with Clothes
(08:34) Hack 7: Compressed Towel Tablets
(10:01) Hack 8: Getting Travel-Sized/Mini Everything
(10:54) Hack 9: Extra Set of Essentials in Carry-On
(12:28) Hack 10: REALLY Research Where You're Going
(13:58) Hack 11: Saving Money with Overnight Transport
(14:40) Hack 12: Google Translate & Camera for Offline Use
(16:07) Hack 13: Offline Google Maps & Pinning Locations in Advance
(17:15) Hack 14: Having a Fully Charged, Multi-Charge Power Bank
(17:40) Hack 15: Plug Adapters & Voltage Converters, Why It's Important
(18:38) Hack 16: Getting a Universal Multiport Adapter
(18:56) Hack 17: Carrying Spare Coins for Public Toilets
(19:32) Hack 18: Keeping a Written Journal or Taking Lots of Footage
(20:36) Hack 19: Befriending a Local & The Alternative If You Can't
(21:21) Hack 20: Keeping Digital Copies of Passport & Documents
(22:09) Last Remarks
4 Mar 2025
International Business Trip Misunderstandings, Stories, & Communication Tips from a German
If you'd like to level up on your global cultural awareness game to have a higher cutting edge on your next business trip or transaction endeavor, or if you'd just like to be more culturally informed and ready on your next trip abroad, then this episode is for you!
In this episode, Marco and Mary Grace discuss their own witnessed and lived-through experiences on business trips and relations in America and Europe, as well as mention important tidbits about Asian and Indian business culture that are crucial to know when wanting to build genuine trust, networking and understanding with those doing business from Eastern-based countries. Marco also highlights his top stories, takeaways and dos + don’ts learned from his own international business trip experiences.
(00:00) Intro & Overview
(01:19) Differences in How to Address People
(03:28) American Personal Lives in Business Conversations
(06:01) Importance of Business Cards to Chinese Businessmen
(06:21) Indians Saying "Yes" but Not Understanding
(07:22) The Texas Politics Business Trip
(09:18) The Russian in Utah Misunderstanding
(10:55) Asian Work Drinking with Boss Expectation
(12:03) The Shots at Lunch in Romania Business Trip
(13:24) Work Hierarchy & Communication in Eastern Europe + India
(15:19) Should You Learn Some Local Language Words for Business?
(17:06) Spain vs. Mexican Spanish Misunderstanding in Mexico
(18:45) The American Who Forgot the Date Business Trip
(19:18) Tips (and Disclaimers) on Getting Clients & Business in America
(22:14) How to Do Business Email Correspondence with a German
(24:32) Dos & Don'ts for a Business Trip in Germany
(26:09) Business Trip Expenses in Germany vs. America
(31:10) Lessons Learned from Business Trips
(31:46) Last Remarks
25 Feb 2025
Rabbit Skull in Paella??? All Things Spain & Spanish Culture that You Should Know, featuring Josh Craig
From a borderline passive-aggressive roommate experience in Madrid, to watching friends tear apart a rabbit skull in traditional paella in Valencia, to recommending a wealth of truly Spanish food recommendations and culture tips to be aware of as a tourist in Spain, Joshua Craig takes us on a colorful, more local, cultural-enriching journey through the eyes of his experiences of living twice in Spain - once in Valencia and once in Madrid - as an American.
(00:00) Intro & Overview
(01:17) Background on Josh & How/Why Spain
(03:01) Time & Life in Valencia
(05:02) Recommended Places to See in Valencia
(07:47) Paella Birthplace & Food Recommendations in Valencia
(09:24) Bad Roommate Story in Madrid
(14:54) What to See & Eat in Madrid
(17:28) Other Spanish Food Recommendations
(18:52) Air Pollution & Air Quality Problem in Madrid
(21:21) Spain Eating Times to Know
(23:31) Spain's "Later" Culture & Adapting to it
(29:00) Quick Barcelona Tips & Tidbits
(32:31) What to Know about Spaniards, Degree of Warmth Comparisons
(35:50) Other Tips for a Better Time in Spain :)
(37:11) 100 Montaditos Fast Food Recommendation
(38:35) Last Remarks
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
7,654
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
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Quality
74
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
0
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